Monthly Archives: November 2015

FIRST rate climbing, skating and active play facilities have opened to an overwhelming response at Howe Bridge Leisure Centre upon completion of the eagerly anticipated £2.9m transformation of the site.

The new adventure zone consists of a bespoke skate park also suitable for BMXs and scooters, a large purpose built interactive adventure climbing area, and an innovatively designed adventure play facility offering junior fitness classes and sports sessions to encourage high levels of physical activity.

The redevelopment of the centre has been carried out by leisure specialists Alliance Leisure, in partnership with ISG construction and Pozzoni architects.

Pete Burt, Managing Director of Inspiring Healthy Lifestyles, which manages the centre on behalf of Wigan Council, said: “This project has given a new lease of life to Howe Bridge Leisure Centre and allowed us to offer some fantastic new products to customers. I’d encourage residents to come along and see what’s on offer.”

The first phase of the transformation of the site included a new 80-station gym, sauna and stream room, an indoor virtual cycling studio, studio for group exercise classes and new changing rooms. In addition, a 3G FIFA 2 star pitch has been introduced on site.

James Foley of Alliance Leisure, said: “It has been an absolute pleasure to deliver this project in partnership with the Trust and Wigan Council. We are certain that the increase in participation and revenues resulting from phase 1 of the project, will be matched with the introduction of the new adventure zone, and importantly in introducing ‘new’ participants to an active lifestyle.”

Wigan Council has invested £2.4m in to the project whilst Inspiring Healthy Lifestyles secured £500,000 from the National Lottery’s Sport England Improvement Fund.

Cllr Paul Kenny, Wigan Council’s Cabinet member for Leisure, said: “I’m delighted that we have been able to provide these fantastic leisure facilities for the benefit of residents. It’s a great way of supporting local people of all ages in getting active and healthy as part of the Deal.”

Investors in the Environment (iiE) is a national initiative to recognise and accredit companies that commit to green practices in all they do, and strive to maintain and improve them. After a recent assessment of our energy efficiency and environmental impact throughout the business, Alliance Leisure has been accredited with the iiE Silver Award, acknowledging our contribution to green initiatives and good practice. As part of this accreditation, we have created an Environmental Management System (EMS) to monitor and continue to improve our performance.

“At Alliance Leisure, we take our corporate social and environmental responsibility seriously (as well as encouraging our clients and suppliers to do so), therefore this award is a welcome recognition of our commitment to reducing our impact on the environment.”